Icons and icon representation of process steps for graphic visualization of task-oriented steps

Abstract

Icons for graphic visualization of task-oriented steps in industrial control processes as well as a corresponding icon representation of process steps of parts program in machine tools and production machines are described. The icons are composed of at least one graphic symbol and at least one placeholder, wherein a size of the placeholder is representative of the duration of a task-oriented process step. The individual steps of parts programs of the machine can be visualized by arranging the icons in form of rows and columns and each icon graphically visualizes an individual task-oriented step of a parts program. Each row (column) is associated with a particular parts program and a column (row) width of an icon in said row (column) represents a duration of the task-oriented process step for said parts program. In this way, the structure of part programs and the associated process steps can be readily graphically visualized.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An icon for graphic visualization of task-oriented steps in industrial control processes, the icon comprising at least one graphic symbol and at least one placeholder, wherein a size of the placeholder is representative of the duration of a task-oriented process step.  
     
     
         2 . The icon of  claim 1 , wherein the placeholder comprises at least one of a frame, a line and an arrow.  
     
     
         3 . The icon of  claim 1 , wherein the icon displays an actual state of a task-oriented process step as at least one of a change in color, size and type of the at least one graphic symbol and a change in a line thickness and a line type of the placeholder.  
     
     
         4 . Use of the icon of  claim 1  for graphic visualization of the task-oriented process steps of parts programs in machine tools or production machines.  
     
     
         5 . A method for graphic visualization of task-oriented steps of parts programs in machine tools or production machines with icons, wherein the icons are arranged in form of rows and columns and each icon graphically visualizes an individual task-oriented step of a parts program, wherein each row is associated with a particular parts program and a column width of an icon in said row represents a duration of the task-oriented process step for said parts program, or alternatively, each column is associated with a particular parts program and a row width of an icon in said column represents a duration of the task-oriented process step for said parts program.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the icons comprise at least one graphic symbol and at least one placeholder, wherein a size of the placeholder is representative of the duration of a task-oriented process step.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the placeholder comprises at least one of a frame, a line and an arrow.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein through selection of an icon by a user, the corresponding parts program associated with the row or column is indicated in ASCII code or as a step visualization.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the duration of a task-oriented process step is referenced to a common time axis.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the icons are displayed in a normalized or synchronized form.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein a mutual dependency of the parts programs is visualized by synchronization lines that connect the icons across different parts programs.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the duration of a task-oriented process step is indicated in form of numerical values.